In some cases, loose teeth are good candidates for a procedure known as “splinting”. When teeth are splinted, they are joined together to increase their strength.

One common question from people who have loose teeth is “Can anything be done to tighten them?” Loose teeth can make eating uncomfortable, as biting pressure can cause the teeth to move and pull away from the gum. Healthy teeth are normally fastened tightly into the jawbone by their roots and the routine forces of biting and chewing food will not budge them. Trauma to the teeth and the progression of advanced periodontal (gum) disease are common culprits that can cause teeth to become loose.

After the teeth are splinted, they will require preventive maintenance. Careful brushing is of the utmost importance, and a device called a proxy brush (or other similar device) will be needed to clean between the teeth because floss will not be able to penetrate the splint. Regular dental visits, every three to six months are required to maintain the splint and insure proper dental care.